Discovery launching Chicago version of `Cash Cab'

NEW YORK (AP) -- "Cash Cab" is spreading the wealth.

The Discovery Network show that turns a New York City cab ride into an instant game show is launching a Chicago spinoff. Comic Beth Melewski, a "Second City" cast member, will be behind the wheel.

The expansion comes after a triumphant year for

"Cash Cab." The series won its second Daytime Emmy award for best game show and Ben Bailey won his first Emmy as best host.

The Chicago episodes will air sometime in the spring. Clark Bunting, Discovery's top executive, said Melewski had the combination of smarts and knowledge of the city to work well in the cab. Besides the original "Cash Cab" that was made in London, there are versions of the show in Canada, Japan and Australia.